Animals and wellbeing

Mental Health Awareness Week took place from Monday 15 May and we marked it across the school with ‘Wear It Green Day’ on the Thursday, when students and staff sported a green item alongside their usual clothing. Animals provide an important boost to day-to-day wellbeing here at Milton Abbey, whether that’s taking time out on the School Farm while revising for exams, spotting wildlife during a walk in the surrounding countryside, or getting to know the friendly staff pets who live at, or visit, the school.

Young or old, dogs are particularly popular. There has been much excitement as Mr Barnes’ cockapoo puppy Summer has made her first visits.

Elsewhere, matron Lucy’s golden retriever Ned is a popular character around Tregonwell House and grooming time is enjoyed as much by him as it is by the students!

As we reflect on our mental health during the awareness week and beyond, we feel very fortunate for our abundant open green spaces at school, the surrounding natural wildlife, and the time we have with pets and the school farm animals.

A sunny Sunday afternoon was the perfect setting for what is rapidly becoming one of the favourite cocurricular social activities at school: our annual colour run.

A DJ blasted out high-tempo tunes to keep the pace up as the runners passed the Pavilion and - to the delight of the Grounds Team - we also avoided any temporary colourful patches in the car park thanks to a longer route this year!

Well done everyone for taking part.

Our Combined Cadet Force had an exciting weekend of camping, hiking and training at Bovington.

The weather was lovely - if a little too hot to be in full uniform - and the CCF were in good form when inspected by the Commanding Officer of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry.